Mobile inventory unit monitoring systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to mobile inventory unit monitoring systems and methods. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile inventory unit monitoring system comprising a computer configured to execute at least one computer program, at least one wireless transmitter located proximate to a mobile inventory unit, a plurality of radio-frequency transceivers dispersed geographically at defined locations, and a gateway connected to a wide area network. Select information can be transmitted from the transmitter proximate to the mobile inventory unit, through a transceiver in the plurality of transceivers, through the gateway, and to the wide area network. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & PRIORITY CLAIMS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/477,329, entitled, “Systems and Methods for Monitoring andControlling Remote Devices,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,013,732, filed on Jun.3, 2009; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/337,739, entitled System and Method for Monitoring and ControllingRemote Devices and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,059 filed on 18 Dec. 2008;which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/395,685,entitled, “System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling RemoteDevices,” filed on Mar. 31, 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,468,661;which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/139,492,entitled, “System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling RemoteDevices,” filed on May 6, 2002 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,767; which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/439,059, filed onNov. 12, 1999 and entitled “System and Method for Monitoring andControlling Remote Devices,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,692. U.S. Pat. No.6,437,692 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/271,517, filed Mar. 18, 1999 now abandoned and entitled, “System forMonitoring Conditions in a Residential Living Community”, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/102,178filed Jun. 22, 1998 and entitled, “Multi-Function General PurposeTransceiver,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,268, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/412,895,filed Oct. 5, 1999 and entitled, “System and Method for Monitoring theLight Level Around an ATM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,953; which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/172,554,filed Oct. 14, 1998 and entitled, “System for Monitoring the Light LevelAround an ATM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,522; and further claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/146,817, filed Aug.2, 1999 and entitled, “System and Method for Monitoring and ControllingResidential Devices.” Each of the above identified applications andpatents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to remotelyoperated systems, and more particularly to a computerized system formonitoring, reporting on, and controlling remote systems by transferringinformation signals through a wide area network (WAN) and using softwareapplications hosted on a connected server to appropriately process theinformation.

BACKGROUND

As is known, there are a variety of systems for monitoring andcontrolling manufacturing processes, inventory systems, emergencycontrol systems, and the like. Most automatic systems use remote sensorsand controllers to monitor and automatically respond to systemparameters to reach desired results. A number of control systems utilizecomputers to process system inputs, model system responses, and controlactuators to implement process corrections within the system. Both theelectric power generation and metallurgical processing industries havehad success controlling production processes by implementing computercontrolled control systems in individual plants.

One way to classify control systems is by the timing involved betweensubsequent monitoring occurrences. Monitoring processes can beclassified as aperiodic or random, periodic, and real-time. A number ofremotely distributed service industries implement the monitoring andcontrolling process steps through manual inspection and intervention.

A periodic monitoring systems (those that do not operate on apredetermined cycle) are inherently inefficient as they require aservice technician to physically traverse an area to record data, repairout of order equipment, add inventory to a vending machine, and thelike. Such service trips are carried out in a number of industries withthe associated costs being transferred to the consumers of the service.

Conversely, utility meter monitoring, recording, and client billing arerepresentative of a periodic monitoring system. In the past, utilityproviders sent a technician from meter to meter on a periodic basis toverify meter operation and to record utility use. One method of cuttingoperating expenses in the utility industry involved increasing theperiod at which manual monitoring and meter data recording wasperformed. While this method decreased the monitoring and recordingexpense associated with more frequent meter observation and wasconvenient for consumers who favor the consistent billed amountsassociated with “budget billing,” the utility provider retained thecosts associated with less frequent meter readings and the processingcosts associated with reconciling consumer accounts.

Lastly, a number of environmental and safety systems require constant orreal-time monitoring. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioningsystems, fire reporting and damage control systems, alarm systems, andaccess control systems are representative systems that utilize real-timemonitoring and often require immediate feedback and control. Thesereal-time systems have been the target of control systems theory andapplication thereof for some time.

A problem with expanding the use of control systems technology todistributed systems are the costs associated with the sensor-actuatorinfrastructure required to monitor and control functions within suchsystems. The typical approach to implementing control system technologyis to install a local network of hard-wired sensors and actuators alongwith a local controller. Not only is there expense associated withdeveloping and installing appropriate sensors and actuators but theadded expense of connecting functional sensors and controllers with thelocal controller. Another prohibitive cost associated with applyingcontrol systems technology to distributed systems is the installationand operational expense associated with the local controller.

Accordingly, an alternative solution to applying monitoring and controlsystem solutions to distributed systems that overcomes the shortcomingsof the prior art is desired.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Certain objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will beset forth in part in the description that follows and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing or may be learned with the practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

To achieve the advantages and novel features, the present invention isgenerally directed to a cost effective method of monitoring andcontrolling remote devices. More specifically, the present invention isdirected to a computerized system for monitoring, reporting, andcontrolling remote systems and system information transfer bytransmitting information signals to a WAN gateway interface and usingapplications on a connected server to process the information. Becausethe applications server is integrated on a WAN, Web browsers can be usedby anyone with Internet access (and the appropriate access permissions)to view and download the recorded data.

In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention, a system is providedhaving one or more sensors to be read and/or actuators to be controlledremotely, ultimately through a computer on the Internet. The sensorsand/or actuators are interfaced with wireless transceivers that transmitand/or receive data to and from the Internet. In this regard, additionalwireless transceivers may relay information between the transceiversdisposed in connection with the sensors and actuators and a gateway tothe Internet. It should be appreciated that, a portion of theinformation communicated includes data that uniquely identifies thesensors and/or actuators.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configuredto monitor and report system parameters. The system is implemented byusing a plurality of wireless transceivers. At least one wirelesstransceiver is interfaced with a sensor, transducer, actuator or someother device associated with the application parameter of interest. Inthis regard, the term “parameter” is broadly construed and may include,but is not limited to, a system alarm condition, a system processvariable, an operational condition, etc. The system also includes aplurality of transceivers that act as signal repeaters that aredispersed throughout the nearby geographic region at defined locations.By defined locations, it is meant only that the location of eachtransceiver is known to a central computer. The central computer may beinformed of transceiver physical locations after permanent installation,as the installation location of the transceivers is not limited. Eachtransceiver that serves to repeat a previously generated data signal maybe further integrated with its own unique sensor or a sensor actuatorcombination as required. Additional transceivers may be configured asstand-alone devices that serve to simply receive, format, and furthertransmit system data signals. Further, the system includes a local dataformatter that is configured to receive information communicated fromthe transceivers, format the data, and forward the data via the gatewayto one or more servers interconnected with the WAN. The server furtherincludes means for evaluating the received information and identifyingthe system parameter and the originating location of the parameter. Theserver also includes means for updating a database or further processingthe reported parameters.

Consistent with the broader concepts of the invention, the “means” forevaluating the received information and the “means” for reporting systemparameters are not limited to a particular embodiment or configuration.Preferably, these “means” will be implemented in software that isexecuted by a processor within a server integrated with the Internet.However, dedicated WANs or Intranets are suitable backbones forimplementing defined system data transfer functions consistent with theinvention.

In one embodiment, a client retrieves configured system data byaccessing an Internet Web site. In such an embodiment, a systemconsistent with the present invention acts as a data collector andformatter with data being delivered upon client request, withavailability twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

In more robust embodiments, a system can be configured to collect,format, and deliver client application specific information on aperiodic basis to predetermined client nodes on the WAN. In theseembodiments, client intervention would serve to close the feedback loopin the control system.

In yet another embodiment, a system can be configured to collect,format, and control client application specific processes by replacing alocal control computer with a WAN interfaced server and integratingsystem specific actuators with the aforementioned system transceivers.

It should be further appreciated that the information transmitted andreceived by the wireless transceivers may be further integrated withother data transmission protocols for transmission acrosstelecommunications and computer networks other than the Internet. Inaddition, it should be further appreciated that telecommunications andcomputer networks other than the Internet can function as a transmissionpath between the networked wireless transceivers, the local gateways,and the central server.

In yet a further embodiment, a system can be configured using thepresent invention to translate and transmit control signals from anexisting local controller via the networked wireless transceivers. Inthis regard, the system of the present invention would require a datatranslator to tap into the data stream of an existing control system.Distinct control system signals may be mapped to function codes used bythe present invention in order to provide customer access to controlsystem data. In this way, the system of the present invention can beintegrated with present data collection and system controllersinexpensively, as customers will only have to add a data translator anda wireless transmitter or transceiver as the application demands. Byintegrating the present invention with the data stream generated bypresent monitoring and control systems, potential customers enjoy thebenefits of the present invention without the difficulties associatedwith integrating sensors and actuators to monitor individual systemparameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art control system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a monitoring/control system ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram that illustrates a transmitter inaccordance with the present invention integrated in a portable devicewith user operable buttons that trigger data transmissions as desired;

FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram that illustrates the integrationof a sensor with a transmitter in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a transceiver in accordance withthe present invention integrated with a sensor and an actuator;

FIG. 3D is a functional block diagram further illustrating thetransceiver of FIG. 3C as applied to a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning system controller;

FIG. 3E is a functional block diagram illustrating the combination ofthe transceiver of FIG. 3D with a global positioning system (GPS)receiver;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram that illustrates the functionalcomponents of a local WAN gateway constructed in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating WAN connectivity in a systemconstructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a client specific application inaccordance with the invention (simple data collection or monitoring);

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another data monitoring andreporting application consistent with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a third client specificapplication in accordance with the invention (monitoring and controllinga process);

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the present invention as deployedin a particular business application;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram further illustrating the present invention asdeployed in a plurality of business applications;

FIG. 11 is a table illustrating the message protocol of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates three sample messages using the message protocol ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the system of the presentinvention integrated with the local controller of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the system of the presentinvention integrated with a mobile inventory unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED & ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Having summarized the invention above, reference is now made in detailto the description of the invention as illustrated in the drawings.While the invention will be described in connection with these drawings,there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodimentsdisclosed therein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover allalternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings, reference is made to FIG. 1, which is ablock diagram illustrating certain fundamental components of a prior artcontrol system 100. More particularly, a prior art control system 100includes a plurality of sensor actuators 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,and 117 electrically coupled to a local controller 110. In a manner wellknown in the art of control systems, local controller 110 providespower, formats and applies data signals from each of the sensors topredetermined process control functions, and returns control signals asappropriate to the system actuators. Often, prior art control systemsare further integrated via the public switched telephone network (PSTN)120 to a central controller 130. Central controller 130 can be furtherconfigured to serve as a technician monitoring station or to forwardalarm conditions via PSTN 120 to appropriate public safety officers.

Prior art control systems consistent with the design of FIG. 1 requirethe development and installation of an application-specific local systemcontroller, as well as, the routing of electrical conductors to eachsensor and actuator as the application requires. Such prior art controlsystems are typically augmented with a central controller 130 that maybe networked to the local controller 110 via PSTN 120. As a result,prior art control systems often consist of a relatively heavy design andare subject to a single point of failure should local controller 110 goout of service. In addition, these systems require electrical couplingbetween the local controller and system sensors and actuators. As aresult, appropriately wiring an existing industrial plant can be adangerous and expensive proposition.

Having described a prior art control system and delineated some of itsshortcomings, reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a block diagramthat illustrates a control system in accordance with the presentinvention. Control system 200 consists of one or more sensor/actuators212, 214, 216, 222, and 224 each integrated with a transceiver. Thetransceivers are preferably RF (Radio Frequency) transceivers, that arerelatively small in size and transmit a relatively low power RF signal.As a result, in some applications, the transmission range of a giventransceiver may be relatively limited. As will be appreciated from thedescription that follows, this relatively limited transmission range ofthe transceivers is an advantageous and desirable characteristic ofcontrol system 200. Although the transceivers are depicted without auser interface such as a keypad, in certain embodiments of the inventionthe transceivers may be configured with user selectable buttons or analphanumeric keypad. Often, the transceivers will be electricallyinterfaced with a sensor or actuator, such as a smoke detector, athermostat, a security system, etc., where external buttons are notneeded.

Control system 200 also includes a plurality of stand-alone transceivers211, 213, 215, and 221. Each stand-alone transceiver 211, 213, 215, and221 and each of the integrated transceivers 212, 214, 216, 222, and 224may be configured to receive an incoming RF transmission (transmitted bya remote transceiver) and to transmit an outgoing signal. This outgoingsignal may be another low power RF transmission signal, a higher powerRF transmission signal, or alternatively may be transmitted over aconductive wire, fiber optic cable, or other transmission media. Theinternal architecture of a transceiver integrated with a sensor/actuator212 and a stand-alone transceiver 211 will be discussed in more detailin connection with FIGS. 3A through 3C. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that integrated transceivers 212, 214, 216, 222, and224 can be replaced by RF transmitters (not shown) for client specificapplications that require data collection only.

Local gateways 210 and 220 are configured and disposed to receive remotedata transmissions from the various stand-alone transceivers 211, 213,215, and 221 or integrated transceivers 212, 214, 216, 222, and 224having an RF signal output level sufficient to adequately transmit aformatted data signal to the gateways. Local gateways 210 and 220analyze the transmissions received, convert the transmissions intoTCP/IP format and further communicate the remote data signaltransmissions via WAN 230. In this regard, and as will be furtherdescribed below, local gateways 210 and 220 may communicate information,service requests, control signals, etc. to remote sensor/actuatortransceiver combinations 212, 214, 216, 222, and 224 from server 260,laptop computer 240, and workstation 250 across WAN 230. Server 260 canbe further networked with database server 270 to record client specificdata.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that if an integratedtransceiver (either of 212, 214, 216, 222, and 224) is locatedsufficiently close to local gateways 210 or 220 such that its RF outputsignal can be received by a gateway, the RF data signal need not beprocessed and repeated through stand-alone transceivers 211, 213, 215,or 221.

It will be further appreciated that a monitoring system constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention may be used in avariety of environments. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, amonitoring system such as that illustrated in FIG. 2 may be employed tomonitor and record utility usage by residential and industrial customersas illustrated in FIG. 6. Another preferred monitoring system isillustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 depicts the transfer of vehiclediagnostics from an automobile via a RF transceiver integrated with thevehicle diagnostics bus to a local transceiver that further transmitsthe vehicle information through a local gateway onto a WAN.

It will be further appreciated that a monitoring and control systemconsistent with the present invention may be used in a variety ofenvironments. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a controlsystem such as that illustrated in FIG. 2 may be employed to monitor andcontrol an irrigation system as illustrated in FIG. 8. Another preferredcontrol system is illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 depicts a businessapplication of a control system wherein the operation of a parkingfacility may be automated.

As will be further appreciated from the discussion herein, transceivers212, 214, 216, 222, and 224 may have substantially identicalconstruction (particularly with regard to their internal electronics),which provides a cost effective implementation at the system level.Furthermore, a plurality of stand-alone transceivers 211, 213, 215, and221, which may be identical, are disposed in such a way that adequatecoverage in an industrial plant or community is provided. Preferably,stand-alone transceivers 211, 213, 215, and 221 may be dispersedsufficient that only one stand-alone transceiver will pick up atransmission from a given integrated transceiver 212, 214, 216, 222, and224 (due in part to the low power transmission nature of eachtransmitter). However, in certain instances two, or even more,stand-alone transceivers may pick up a single transmission. Thus, thelocal gateways 210 and 220 may receive multiple versions of the samedata transmission signal from an integrated transceiver, but fromdifferent stand-alone transceivers. The local gateways 210 and 220 mayutilize this information to triangulate, or otherwise more particularlyassess the location from which the transmission is originating. Due tothe transmitting device identification that is incorporated into thetransmitted signal, duplicative transmissions (e.g., transmissionsduplicated to more than one gateway, or to the same gateway, more thanonce) may be ignored or otherwise appropriately handled.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, integratedtransceivers 212, 214, 216, 222, and 224 may be disposed withinautomobiles (see FIG. 7), a rainfall gauge (see FIG. 8), or a parkinglot access gate (see FIG. 9) to monitor vehicle diagnostics, totalrainfall and sprinkler supplied water, and access gate position,respectively. The advantage of integrating a transceiver, as opposed toa one-way transmitter, into a monitoring device relates to the abilityof the transceiver to receive incoming control signals, as opposed tomerely transmitting data signals. Significantly, local gateways 210 and220 may communicate with all system transceivers. Since local gateways210 and 220 are permanently integrated with WAN 230, server 260 can hostapplication specific software which was typically hosted in anapplication specific local controller as shown in FIG. 1. Of furthersignificance, the data monitoring and control devices of the presentinvention need not be disposed in a permanent location as long as theyremain within signal range of a system compatible transceiver thatsubsequently is within signal range of a local gateway interconnectedthrough one or more networks to server 260. In this regard, smallapplication specific transmitters compatible with control system 200 canbe worn or carried about one's person as will be further describedbelow.

In one embodiment, server 260 collects, formats, and stores clientspecific data from each of the integrated transceivers 212, 214, 216,222, and 224 for later retrieval or access from workstation 250 orlaptop 240. In this regard, workstation 250 or laptop 240 can be used toaccess the stored information through a Web browser in a manner that iswell known in the art. In another embodiment, server 260 may perform theadditional functions of hosting application specific control systemfunctions and replacing the local controller by generating requiredcontrol signals for appropriate distribution via WAN 230 and localgateways 210 and 211 to the system actuators. In a third embodiment,clients may elect for proprietary reasons to host control applicationson their own WAN connected workstation. In this regard, database 270 andserver 260 may act solely as a data collection and reporting device withclient workstation 250 generating control signals for the system.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the informationtransmitted and received by the wireless transceivers of the presentinvention may be further integrated with other data transmissionprotocols for transmission across telecommunications and computernetworks other than the Internet. In addition, it should be furtherappreciated that telecommunications and computer networks other than theInternet can function as a transmission path between the networkedwireless transceivers, the local gateways, and the central server.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which is a block diagram thatillustrates the functional components of a RF transmitter 320, of a typeworn or carried by a person, in more detail. Blocks 327 and 329represent physical buttons, which a user may actuate to cause the RFtransmitter 320 to initiate different signal transmissions. In theillustrated embodiment, these include a “transmit” button 327 and apanic or “emergency” button 329. Of course, additional, fewer, ordifferent buttons may be provided on a given transmitter, depending uponthe system or implementation desired. Each of these buttons may beelectrically wired to a data interface 321 which is configured toreceive electrical signals from buttons 327 and 329, and ultimatelyconvey that information to a data formatter 324. In one embodiment, datainterface 321 may simply comprise an addressable port that may be readby the data formatter 324.

For example, each of the signal lines extending between the buttons andthe data interface 321 may be pulled up by individual pull up resistors(not shown). Depressing any of the individual buttons may ground theelectrical signal line interconnecting the respective button and thedata interface 321. Data formatter 324 may constantly read from the portdefined by data interface 321, and all bit positions should remain highat any given time, if no buttons are depressed. If, however, the dataformatter 324 reads a zero in one or more of the bit positions, it thenrecognizes that one or more of the buttons 327 and 329 have beendepressed.

Each transmitter unit may be configured to have a unique identificationcode (e.g., transmitter identification number) 326, that uniquelyidentifies the transmitter to the functional blocks of control system200 (see FIG. 2). This transmitter identification number may beelectrically programmable, and implemented in the form of, for example,an EPROM. Alternatively, the transmitter identification number may beset/configured through a series of DIP switches. Additionalimplementations of the transmitter identification number, whereby thenumber may be set/configured, may be implemented consistent with thebroad concepts of the present invention.

Finally, an additional functional block of the transmitter 320 is a RFtransmitter 328. This circuit is used to convert information fromdigital electronic form into a format, frequency, and voltage levelsuitable for transmission from antenna 323 via an RF transmissionmedium.

The data formatter 324 operates to format concise data packets 330 thatmay be transmitted via RF to a nearby transceiver. From a substantivebasis, the information conveyed includes a function code, as well as, atransmitter identification number. As previously mentioned, thetransmitter identification number is set for a given transmitter 320.When received by server 260 (see FIG. 2), the transmitter identificationnumber may be used to access a look up table that identifies, forexample, the person assigned to carry that particular transmitter.Additional information about the person may also be provided within thelookup table, such as, a physical description, and/or any otherinformation that may be deemed appropriate or useful under thecircumstances or implementation of the particular system.

In addition, a function code is communicated from RF transmitter 320 tothe nearby transceiver. FIG. 3A illustrates a lookup table 325 that maybe provided in connection with data formatter 324. Lookup table 325 maybe provided to assign a given and unique function code for each buttonpressed. For example, transmit button 327 may be assigned a first codeto identify the party depressing the button. The emergency button 329may be assigned a second code. Furthermore, additional codes may beprovided as necessary to accommodate additional functions or features ofa given transmitter 320. Thus, in operation, a user may depress theemergency button 329, which is detected by the data formatter 324. Thedata formatter 324 may then use the information pertaining to theemergency button 329 to access a look up table 325 to retrieve a codethat is uniquely assigned to emergency button 329. The data formatter324 may also retrieve the pre-configured transmitter identificationnumber 326 in configuring a data packet 330 for communication via RFsignals to a nearby transceiver.

Reference is now made briefly to FIG. 3B, which is a block diagramillustrating certain functional blocks of a similar transmitter 340 thatmay be integrated with sensor 310. For example, sensor 310 in itssimplest form could be a two-state device such as a smoke alarm.Alternatively, the sensor 310 may output a continuous range of values tothe data interface 321. If the signal output from the sensor 310 is ananalog signal, the data interface 321 may include an analog-to-digitalconverter (not shown) to convert signals output to the actuator 340.Alternatively, a digital interface (communicating digital signals) mayexist between the data interface 321 and each sensor 310.

As illustrated, many of the components of RF transmitter 340 are similarto that of RF transmitter 320 and need not be repeated herein. Theprincipal difference between the configurations of RF transmitter 320 ofFIG. 3A and the RF transmitter 340 of FIG. 3B lies at the input of thedata interface 321. Specifically, RF transmitter 320 included userinterface buttons 327 and 329. RF transmitter 340, illustrateselectrical integration with sensor 310. Unique transmitteridentification code 326 coupled with a function code for a smoke alarmon condition is formatted by data controller 324 for transformation intoa RF signal by RF transmitter 328 and transmission via antenna 323. Inthis way, data packet 330 communicated from transmitter 340 will readilydistinguish from similar signals generated by other RF transmitters inthe system. Of course, additional and/or alternative configurations mayalso be provided by a similarly configured RF transmitter. For example,a similar configuration may be provided for a transmitter that isintegrated into, for example, a carbon monoxide detector, a doorposition sensor and the like. Alternatively, system parameters that varyacross a range of values may be transmitted by RF transmitter 340 aslong as data interface 321 and data controller 324 are configured toapply a specific code, consistent with the input from sensor 310. Aslong as the code was understood by server 260 or workstation 250 (seeFIG. 2) the target parameter could be monitored with the presentinvention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3C, which is a block diagram similar tothat illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, but illustrating a transceiver 360that is integrated with a sensor 310 and an actuator 380. In thisillustration, data interface 321 is shown with a single input fromsensor 310. It is easy to envision a system that may include multiplesensor inputs. By way of example, a common home heating and coolingsystem might be integrated with the present invention. The home heatingsystem may include multiple data interface inputs from multiple sensors.A home thermostat control connected with the home heating system couldbe integrated with a sensor that reports the position of a manuallyadjusted temperature control (i.e., temperature set value), as well as,a sensor integrated with a thermister to report an ambient temperature.The condition of related parameters can be input to data interface 321as well, including the condition of the system on/off switch, and theclimate control mode selected (i.e., heat, fan, or AC). In addition,depending upon the specific implementation, other system parameters maybe provided to data interface 321 as well.

The addition of actuator 380 to the assembly permits data interface 321to apply control signals to the manual temperature control for thetemperature set point, the climate control mode switch, and the systemon/off switch. In this way, a remote workstation 250 or laptop 240 withWAN access (see FIG. 2) could control a home heating system from aremote location.

Again, each of these various input sources are routed to data interface321 which provides the information to a data controller 324. The datacontroller may utilize a look up table to access unique function codesthat are communicated in data packet 330, along with a transceiveridentification code 326 via RF, to a local gateway and further onto aWAN. In general, the operation of transceiver 360 will be similar tothat described for a transmitter as previously illustrated in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. It is significant to note that data packet 330 will include aconcatenation of the individual function codes selected for each of theaforementioned input parameters. As by way of example, server 260 mayprovide client workstation 250 with a Web page display that models acommon home thermostat. As previously described, either server 260 orworkstation 250 may include application software that would permit auser with access to remotely adjust the controls on a home heatingsystem by adjusting related functional controls on a graphical userinterface updated with feedback from the aforementioned control system.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3D, which is a block diagram furtherillustrating the transceiver of FIG. 3C in light of the home heatingsystem described above. Specifically, transceiver 360 is shown with fourspecific parameters related to four specific function codes asillustrated in look up table 325. In this regard, sensor(s) 310 (onesensor shown for simplicity) inputs a data signal to data interface 321.Data controller receives an input from data interface 321 that itassociates with a specific function code as shown in look up table 325.Data controller 324 assembles data packet 332 by concatenating receiveddata packet 330 with its own transceiver identification code 326 and itsown specific function codes. Data packet 332 is configured by RFtransceiver 350 for transmission via antenna 323 to either a stand-alonetransceiver as shown in FIG. 2, or alternatively, to local gateway 210.It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that data interface321 may be uniquely configured to interface with specialized sensor(s)310. This circuit, therefore, may differ from transceiver totransceiver, depending upon the remote system parameter that ismonitored and the related actuator to be controlled. Implementation ofdata interface 321 will be understood by persons skilled in the art, andneed not be described herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3E, which is a block diagram furtherillustrating the transceiver of FIG. 3C in combination with a GPSreceiver. Specifically, GPS receiver 327 replaces data interface 321,sensor 310, and actuator 380 as illustrated in FIG. 3C. In this regard,GPS receiver 327 inputs a data signal containing latitude and longitudecoordinates to data controller 324. Data controller 324 assembles datapacket 332 by concatenating received data packet 330 with its owntransceiver identification code 326 and the coordinates received fromGPS receiver 327. Data packet 332 is configured by RF transceiver 350for transmission via antenna 323 to either a stand-alone transceiver asshown in FIG. 2, or alternatively, to local gateway 210 as previouslydescribed.

Having illustrated and described the operation of the variouscombinations of RF transmitters and transceivers consistent with thepresent invention, reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a blockdiagram illustrating certain principal components and the operation of alocal gateway 210 of a control system 100 (see FIG. 2) constructed inaccordance with the present invention. The primary physical componentsthat may be provided within local gateway 210 are a transceiver 420, aCPU 422, a memory 424, a network card 426, a DSL modem 428, an ISDN card430, as well as other components not illustrated in the FIG. 4 thatwould enable a TCP/IP connection to WAN 230. The transceiver 420 isconfigured to receive incoming signals consistently formatted in theconvention previously described. Local gateway 210 may be configuredsuch that memory 424 includes look up table 425 to assist in identifyingthe remote and intermediate transceivers used in generating andtransmitting the received data transmission. Program code within thememory 424 may also be provided and configured for controlling theoperation of a CPU 422 to carry out the various functions that areorchestrated and/or controlled by local gateway 210. For example, memory424 may include program code for controlling the operation of the CPU422 to evaluate an incoming data packet to determine what action needsto be taken. In this regard, look up tables 425 may also be storedwithin memory 424 to assist in this process. Furthermore, memory 424 maybe configured with program code configured to identify a remotetransceiver 427 or identify an intermediate transceiver 429. Functioncodes, transmitter and or transceiver identification numbers, may all bestored with associated information within look up tables 425.

Thus, one look up table may be provided to associate transceiveridentification numbers with a particular user. Another look up table maybe used to associate function codes with the interpretation thereof. Forexample, a unique code may be associated by a look up table to identifyfunctions such as test, temperature, smoke alarm active, security systembreach, etc. In connection with the lookup tables 425, memory 424 mayalso include a plurality of code segments that are executed by CPU 422,and which largely control the operation of the computer. For example, afirst data packet segment 330 may be provided to access a first lookuptable to determine the identity of the transceiver which transmitted thereceived message. A second code segment may be provided to access asecond lookup table to determine the proximate location of the messagegenerating transceiver, by identifying the transceiver that relayed themessage. A third code segment may be provided to identify the content ofthe message transmitted. Namely, is it a fire alarm, a security alarm,an emergency request by a person, a temperature control setting, etc.Consistent with the invention, additional, fewer, or different codesegments may be provided to carryout different functional operations anddata signal transfers throughout the transceiver network.

The local gateway 210 may also include one or more mechanisms throughwhich to communicate with remote systems. For example, the gateway mayinclude a network card 426, which would allow the gateway 210 tocommunicate across a local area network to a network server, which inturn may contain a backup gateway to WAN 230. Alternatively, localgateway 210 may contain a DSL modem 428, which may be configured toprovide a direct dial link to a remote system, by way of the PSTN.Alternatively, local gateway 210 may include an ISDN card 430 configuredto communicate via an ISDN connection with a remote system. Othercommunication gateways may be provided as well to serve as primary andor backup links to WAN 230 or to local area networks that might serve topermit local monitoring of gateway health and data packet control.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a diagram illustrating WANconnectivity in a system constructed in accordance with the invention.In this regard, local gateway 210 is configured to transmit controlsignals and receive data signals using the open data packet protocol aspreviously described. Local gateway 210 is preferably interconnectedpermanently on WAN 230 and configured to translate received data signalsfor WAN transfer via TCP/IP. A server 530 configured with webapplications and client specific applications as required is connectedto WAN 230 via router 510 and further protected and buffered by firewall520. Consistent with the present invention, server 530 is assisted inits task of storing and making available client specific data bydatabase server 540. A workstation 560 configured with a Web browser isconnected to WAN 230 at client premises by any suitable means known bythose of skill in the art. Alternatively, clients may access WAN 230 viaremote laptop 550 or other devices configured with a compatible Webbrowser. In this way, server 530 may provide client specific data upondemand.

Having described the control system of FIG. 2, reference is now made toFIG. 6 which illustrates a specific monitoring embodiment consistentwith application of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 6 illustratesa remote utility meter monitoring system 600. Remote utility metersubsystem 610 consists of utility meter 613 and an appropriatelyintegrated sensor 612 wherein the current utility meter operationalstatus and current utility meter usage total is transmitted viafunctional codes along with a transceiver identification code in amanner previously described by transmitter 614 to stand-alonetransceiver 221. Stand-alone transceiver 221 further processes andtransmits the encoded data to local gateway 210 which translates thedata packet information into TCP/IP format for transfer across WAN 230to server 260. Server 260 collects and formats the utility meterinformation for viewing and or retrieval upon client demand in a mannerpreviously described.

Having described a specific client application consistent with thepresent invention wherein the remote transmitter is permanentlyintegrated with a stationary data input point (a utility meter),reference is now made to FIG. 7 which more fully illustrates theflexibility of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates aremote automotive diagnostics monitoring system 700. Remote automotivediagnostics interface unit 710 consists of sensor 712 integrated withthe vehicle diagnostics data bus 711, and transmitter 714 whereincontents of the vehicle diagnostics can be downloaded upon a controlsignal to sensor 712 from a remote location serviced by local gateway210. In this manner, a vehicle in need of service but still capable ofaccessing the vehicle diagnostics codes can be remotely diagnosed byuploading the information through remote automotive diagnosticsmonitoring system 700 and accessing a custom report created by server260 in a manner previously described. In this regard, server 260 couldbe configured to perform any of a number of levels of diagnostics andprovide service manual instructions, figures, and local authorizedservice contact information via WAN 230 on a fee basis or per apredetermined level of service plan.

Having described a monitoring system consistent with the presentinvention wherein the control signal initiates the monitoring process,reference is now made to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 illustrates a client specificcontrol system consistent with both monitoring and control functions ofthe invention. More specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates a remote irrigationcontrol system 800. For simplicity, controlled area 810 is representedby a single rain gauge 813 and a single related spray head 817. It iseasy to see that such a system could be modified and expanded to monitorand control any of a number of irrigation systems integrated with thepresent invention.

Controlled area 810 is configured with a rain gauge 813 integrated withsensor 811 wherein rainfall and applied water to the adjacent area istransmitted via functional codes by transmitter 812 along with a relatedtransceiver identification code in a manner previously described tostand-alone transceiver 221. Stand-alone transceiver 221 furtherprocesses and transmits the encoded data to local gateway 210 whichtranslates the data packet information into TCP/IP format for transferacross WAN 230 to server 260. Server 260 collects and formats the raingauge data for viewing or retrieval upon client demand in a mannerpreviously described. Additionally, server 260 may be configured tocommunicate data to operate spray head 817 by opening water supply valve816 integrated with actuator 814 by sending a control signal totransceiver 815, per a client directed water application controlschedule. Alternatively, a customer workstation 250 could periodicallydownload and review the rain gauge data and could initiate an automaticcontrol signal appropriate with the customer's watering requirements. Inyet another embodiment, a customer technician could initiate a controlsignal upon review of the rain gauge information and making thedetermination that more water is required.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 which illustrates the operation of anautomated parking control system 900 consistent with the presentinvention. Automated parking facility 910 consists of a controlledaccess area with ingress gate 920 and egress gate 930. Both gates 920and 930 are further configured with a position sensor, an actuator, andtransceiver illustrated as ingress assembly 922 and egress assembly 932,respectively. Parking spaces 940 may be configured with vehicle sensors.Sensor-transceiver assembly 932 may be configured to transmit a functioncode associated with the condition of parking spaces 1, 2, 3, and 4. Itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the single row offour appropriately configured parking spaces illustrated can be expandedby adding parking spaces configured with vehicle sensors integrated withcontrol system 900 via multiple sensor-transceiver assemblies. Automatedparking control system 900 collects data signals from eachsensor-transceiver assembly 932, integrated in the system, and compilesa master schedule consisting of scheduled use for each parking space inthe automated parking facility. In this manner, a customer with accessto WAN 230 and server 530 may make a reservation and or check theavailability of parking spaces at the automated parking facility fromher home or office (or through any Internet portal). For example, acustomer that will be out of town on business for 2 days next week, mayaccess the automated parking control system server 530 by using a Webbrowser to view parking availability for the target travel dates. Thecustomer may reserve the parking slot by providing a personaltransmitter identification code (or other identification code) that thecustomer intends to use to access and exit the facility the followingweek. When the customer arrives at the ingress gate 920, the customermay enter the automated parking facility 910 by depressing a button onher personal portable transmitter (see FIG. 3A). Ingress assembly 922receives and forwards the customer's transmitted identification code toserver 530 via gateway 210 and WAN 230 in a manner previously described.Server 530 confirms the customer's reservation, alternatively checksspace availability to determine if access should be granted. Inaddition, server 530 may be further programmed to determine if theparticular customer has an established account with the facility owneror whether a credit card payment transaction is in order. Automaticparking facility control system 900 would record the actual use of thereserved parking space for storage on database server 540. Server 530could retrieve the stored usage information on a periodic basis fromdatabase server 540 and generate appropriate bills for each customer.

Alternatively, the customer could reserve the slot by providing billinginformation via WAN 230 and ingress gate 920 could be further configuredwith a credit card reader and an alphanumeric keypad interface. Both thecredit card reader and the alphanumeric keypad interface could beinterconnected to the automated parking facility control system 900 bytheir own appropriately configured transceiver. Either or both thecredit card reader and the alphanumeric keypad interface could be usedto identify customers with reservations.

The operator of parking facility control system 900, can expand both thelevel of security of the parking facility and the services provided byadding networked peripherals in a manner previously described andupgrading the software applications on server 530. For example, byadding automated ingress and egress gates configured to allow the entryand exit of parking facility customers and authorized personnel andconfiguring the egress gate 930 for vehicles such that only identifiedcustomers may exit with a vehicle, both customers and their vehicles areprotected from thieves.

A further example of expanding the services offered by automated parkingfacility control system 900 might consist of offering a schedule ofvehicle services that could be scheduled and performed on the vehiclesof long-term parking customers. By adding the appropriate interface toserver 530, parking facility customers could be prompted when makingtheir reservation with a list of potential vehicle services that couldbe scheduled and performed by vehicle service technicians during theduration of the customer's business trip. A customer interested inhaving her automobile's oil changed and tires rotated would authorizeand schedule the desired services when arranging her parkingreservation. Upon leaving the parking facility at the start of herbusiness trip, the customer could leave her vehicle valet key in anappropriately identified lock box. After her trip is complete, thecustomer returns to the lot. She gains access to the lot by any of theaforementioned methods and retrieves her valet key by similarlyidentifying herself as the vehicle owner.

Having illustrated specific applications using the present invention inFIGS. 6 through 9, reference is now made to FIG. 10 which illustrates asystem 1000 that monitors and controls remote data points associatedwith a plurality of systems. In this embodiment, server 530 may beconfigured with monitor/control remote services 1010application-specific software. For example, the controlled area 810 ofthe irrigation control system shown in FIG. 8, the remote utility metersubsystem 610 of FIG. 6, and the automated parking facility 910 of FIG.9 may be monitored and remotely controlled (where required) by server530. In a manner previously described herein, server 530 collects andprocesses data information transferred and sent over WAN 230 by localgateways coupled via RF links to transceivers and transmittersassociated with systems 1020, 1030, and 1040. Alternatively, server 530initiates control signals that may be sent via the gateways to theappropriate transceivers and transmitters as required. For ease ofillustration and description, FIG. 10 shows each of the systems servicedby server 530 requiring its own dedicated local gateway. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that small-scale systems jointlylocated within a geographic area served by an array of transceivers anda gateway may be configured to share the transceiver and gatewayinfrastructure of a previously installed local system.

Having described the physical layer of a system consistent with thepresent invention, reference is now made to FIG. 11 which describes thedata structure of messages sent and received using the invention. Inthis regard, the standard message consists of: to address; from address;packet number; maximum packet number, packet length; command; data;packet check sum (high byte); and packet check sum (low byte). The “toaddress” or message destination consists from 1 to 6 bytes. The “fromaddress” or message source device is coded in a full 6 byte designator.Bytes 11 through 13 are used by the system to concatenate messages ofpacket lengths greater than 256 bytes. Byte 14 is a command byte. Byte14 works in conjunction with bytes 15 through 30 to communicateinformation as required by system specific commands. Bytes 31 and 32 arepacket check sum bytes. The packet check sum bytes are used by thesystem to indicate when system messages are received with errors. It issignificant to note that bytes 31 and 32 may be shifted in the messageto replace bytes 15 and 16 for commands that require only one byte. Theorder of appearance of specific information within the message protocolof FIG. 11 remains fixed although the byte position number in individualmessage transmissions may vary due to scalability of the “to address,”the command byte, and scalability of the data frame.

Having described the general message structure of a message of thepresent invention, reference is directed to FIG. 12 which illustratesthree sample messages. The first message illustrates the broadcast of anemergency message “FF” from a central server with an address“0012345678” to a personal transceiver with an address of “FF.”

The second message illustrated reveals how the first message might besent to a transceiver that functions as a repeater. In this manner,emergency message “FF” from a central server with address “0012345678”is first sent to transceiver “F0.” The second message, further containsadditional command data “A000123456” that may be used by the system toidentify further transceivers to send the signal through on the way tothe destination device.

The third message illustrated on FIG. 12 reveals how the messageprotocol of the present invention may be used to “ping” a remotetransceiver in order to determine transceiver health. In this manner,source unit “E112345678” originates a ping request by sending command“08” to a transceiver identified as “A012345678.” The response to theping request can be as simple as reversing the “to address” and the“from address” of the command, such that, a healthy transceiver willsend a ping message back to the originating device. The system of thepresent invention may be configured to expect a return ping within aspecific time period. Operators of the present invention could use thedelay between the ping request and the ping response to model systemloads and to determine if specific system parameters might be adequatelymonitored and controlled with the expected feedback transmission delayof the system.

Having described the message structure of a message of the presentinvention, reference is directed to FIG. 13 which illustrates theintegration of the system of the present invention with the controlsystem of FIG. 1. Having previously illustrated several variationsconsistent with the principles of the present invention, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that multiple variations of thepresent invention may be integrated with existing control systems. Inthis regard, an existing control system with local controller 110 and aplurality of sensor actuators 115 (one shown for simplicity ofillustration) are in communication with central controller 130 via PSTN120 as previously described. In a manner well known in the art ofcontrol systems, local controller 110 transmits appropriate statusinformation via PSTN 120 to central controller 130.

Control systems consistent with the design of FIG. 1, as furtherillustrated in FIG. 13, require the routing of electrical conductors toeach sensor and actuator as the application requires. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the system of the presentinvention can take advantage of the infrastructure of an existing systemby inserting data translator 140 such that system data is sent to boththe central controller 130 in the old configuration, as well as, thedata translator 140. Data translator 140 serves to convert system datato function codes as previously described. Once data translator 140successfully converts the system data stream to the message protocol ofthe present invention, transceiver 815 further converts the system datastream to a RF signal.

As previously described in connection with FIG. 2, stand-alonetransceiver 221 receives and repeats the RF data transmission receivedfrom transceiver 815. Local gateway 210 receives the RF datatransmission repeated by stand-alone transceiver 221 and converts the RFdata transmission into TCP/IP for further transmission across WAN 230 toserver 260. In this regard, server 260 may further manage the data forinternal storage or alternatively storage in database 270. Customerswith WAN 230 access may access the system data from workstation 250 orlaptop computer 240.

Having described integration of the system of the present invention withthe control system of FIG. 1 in FIG. 13, reference is now directed toFIG. 14 which illustrates integration of the system of the presentinvention with mobile inventory units. In this regard, system 1060consists of the system of the present invention as previouslyillustrated and described in FIGS. 1 and 13. Having previouslyillustrated several variations consistent with the principles of thepresent invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat multiple variations of the present invention may be integrated withmobile inventory units 1070. In this regard, sensor/actuator 115integrated with transceiver 815 in sensor-transceiver assembly 1065 isfurther integrated with any of a number of mobile inventory units 1070(one sensor-transceiver unit 1065 shown for simplicity of illustration).It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as long as amobile inventory unit 1070, herein represented by a package, ship,airplane, train, and a taxi are within the radio-frequency transmissionand receiving range of stand-alone transceiver 221, the system of thepresent invention may be used to monitor, store and report informationof and relating to mobile inventory unit 1070.

It will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art that thesystem of the present invention may be used to transfer information toadequately equipped mobile inventory units 1070. In this regard,shipping companies may use the present invention to update a databasecontaining location and status information for each mobile inventoryunit 1070 in the company fleet. Shipping companies may also transferinformative messages or other information using the system of thepresent invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention may be used to store, retrieve,and update maintenance information related to individual mobileinventory units. For example, federally registered airplanes must keep amaintenance log with the craft detailing all inspections, maintenance,and repairs. The system of the present invention could be used by fixedbase operators (FBOs) who perform inspections and maintenance onaircraft to retrieve and update the aircraft maintenance log. In thisway, FBOs located throughout the world will be able to retrieve andupdate an electronic version of the maintenance history of an aircraft.In addition, a properly configured system could also contain maintenancedirectives and other service bulletins related to the particularaircraft.

In yet another embodiment, a properly integrated sensor/actuator 115with transceiver 815 may be used to monitor mobile inventory unit systemparameters. For example, an airplane could be configured to monitor andreport engine run time, time elapsed since the last recorded inspectionof a particular type, and related system information. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the system of the presentinvention may be integrated with remote units other than those shown.The ship, package, airplane, train, and taxi shown in FIG. 14 are forexample only and not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description has illustratedcertain fundamental concepts of the invention, but that other additionsand/or modifications may be made consistent with the inventive concepts.For example, the one-way transmitters illustrated in FIG. 3A andimplemented in a control system as illustrated in FIG. 6 may be adaptedto monitor the current status of water, gas, and other utility meters.One-way transmitters might further be used to monitor and report actualoperational hours on rental equipment or any other apparatus that mustbe serviced or monitored on an actual run-time schedule.

The two-way transceivers of the current invention, may be adapted tomonitor and apply control signals in an unlimited number ofapplications. By way of example only, two-way transceivers of thecurrent invention can be adapted for use with pay type publicly locatedtelephones, cable television set converter boxes, as well as, for usewith a host of residential appliances and devices to enable a remotecontrollable home automation and security system.

In a geographic area appropriately networked with permanently locatedtransceivers consistent with the invention, personal transmittersconsistent with the invention can be used to monitor and controlpersonnel access and egress from specific rooms or portions thereofwithin a controlled facility. Personal transmitters can further beconfigured to transfer personal information to public emergency responsepersonnel, personal billing information to vending machines, or tomonitor individuals within an assisted living community.

Two-way transceivers consistent with the present invention can beintegrated to monitor and control a host of industrial and businessapplications as well. By way of example only, building automationsystems, fire control systems, alarm systems, industrial trashcompactors, and building elevators can be monitored and controlled withdevices consistent with the present invention. In addition, courier dropboxes, time clock systems, automated teller machines, self-service copymachines, and other self-service devices can be monitored and controlledas appropriate. By way of further example, a number of environmentvariables that require monitoring can be integrated with the system ofthe present invention to permit remote monitoring and control. Forinstance, light levels in the area adjacent to automated teller machinesmust meet minimum federal standards, the water volume transferred bywater treatment plant pumps, smokestack emissions from a coal burningpower plant or a coke fueled steel plant oven may also be remotelymonitored.

The two-way transceivers of the present invention may be furtherintegrated with a voice-band transmitter and receiver. As a result, whena person presses, for example, the emergency button on his/hertransmitter, medical personnel, staff members, or others may respond bycommunicating via two-way radio with the party in distress. In thisregard, each transmitter may be equipped with a microphone and a speakerthat would allow the person to communication information such as theirpresent emergency situation, their specific location, etc.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviousmodifications or variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. For example, it should be appreciated that, in someimplementations, the transceiver identification number is not necessaryto identify the location of the transmitter. Indeed, in implementationswhere the transmitter is permanently integrated into an alarm sensorother stationary device within a system, then the control system serverand or local gateway could be configured to identify the transmitterlocation by the transmitter identification number alone. In will beappreciated that, in embodiments that do not utilize repeatingtransceivers, the transmitters will be configured to transmit at ahigher RF power level, in order to effectively communicate with thecontrol system local gateway.

The embodiment or embodiments discussed were chosen and describedillustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applicationto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations arewithin the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claimswhen interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairlyand legally entitled.

We claim:
 1. A mobile inventory unit monitoring system, comprising; a computer configured to execute at least one computer program that formats and stores select information for retrieval from a mobile inventory unit, said computer integrated with a wide area network; at least one wireless transmitter located proximate to the mobile inventory unit and configured to transmit select information and transmitter identification information; a plurality of radio-frequency transceivers dispersed geographically at defined locations configured to receive select information transmitted from at least one nearby wireless transmitter and further configured to transmit the select information, the transmitter identification information and transceiver identification information; and at least one gateway connected to the wide area network configured to receive and translate the select information, the transmitter identification information, and transceiver identification information, said gateway further configured to transmit the translated information to the computer over the WAN.
 2. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the mobile inventory unit is integrated with a sensor/actuator configured to generate a signal indicative of at least one parameter of the mobile inventory unit.
 3. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless transmitter is configured to transmit select information to at least one radio-frequency transceiver in the plurality of radio-frequency transceivers, the select information indicative of a location and/or status of the mobile inventory unit.
 4. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless transmitter is configured to transmit select information to at least one radio-frequency transceiver in the plurality of radio-frequency transceivers, wherein the select information is maintenance information relating to the mobile inventory unit.
 5. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wireless transmitter is configured to transmit select information to at least one radio-frequency transceiver in the plurality of radio-frequency transceivers, the select information indicative of at least one parameter of the mobile inventory unit.
 6. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, the computer program further comprising: a first segment for evaluating received information to identify an originating transmitter; a second segment for evaluating the received information and identifying transceivers that relayed the select information from the originating transmitter to the gateway; a third segment for evaluating the select information transmitted from the originating transmitter embedded within the received information; and a fourth segment responsive to the first, second, and third segments for determining an action to be taken based upon the select information, the identified originating transmitter, and the identified transceivers.
 7. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 6, further including a first lookup table that is utilized by the first segment, wherein the first lookup table is configured to associate a plurality of unique transmitter identification numbers with a plurality of unique transmitter identifiers, wherein each transmitter identification number is uniquely associated with a unique transmitter identifier.
 8. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 7, further including a second lookup table, that is utilized by the second segment, wherein the second lookup table is configured to associate a plurality of unique transceiver identification numbers with a plurality of unique geographic locations, wherein each transceiver identification number is uniquely associated with a unique geographic location.
 9. The system as defined in claim 8, further including a third lookup table that is utilized by the third segment, wherein the first lookup table is configured to associate a plurality of unique transmitter codes with a plurality of unique information fields associated with the transmitter codes, wherein each transmitter code is uniquely associated with a unique information field.
 10. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein each wireless transmitter is configured to transmit a relatively low-power radio-frequency signal.
 11. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated with a sensor.
 12. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the radio-frequency signal transmitted by the transceiver contains a concatenation of information comprising select information and transmitter identification information from the originating transmitter and transceiver identification information for each transceiver that receives and repeats the radio-frequency signal.
 13. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the at least one transmitter is replaced by a transceiver, the transceiver further integrated with an actuator.
 14. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 13, wherein each transceiver in the plurality of transceivers is configured to communicate with the gateway via a radio-frequency signal.
 15. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the computer is further configured to respond to received select information by communicating a control signal to the transceiver replacing the at least one transmitter, wherein the actuator integrated with the transceiver is responsive to the control signal.
 16. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 15, wherein select transceivers further include a microphone, a speaker, and means for communicating two-way voice information to the WAN via the transceivers.
 17. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the gateway includes one selected from the group consisting of: a modem for establishing a dial-up connection with a remote computer; a network card for communicating across a local area network; a network card for communicating across the WAN; a DSL modem; and an ISDN card to permit backup access to the computer.
 18. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the gateway translates the select information, the transmitter identification information, and the transceiver identification information into TCP/IP for communication over the WAN.
 19. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the WAN is the Internet.
 20. The mobile inventory unit monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the WAN is a dedicated Intranet. 